Method and apparatus for assembling implants

Abstract

An apparatus and method for implanting a prosthesis includes implanting a first component into a recess in a bone. The first component defines a main body defining a receiving portion and a locating bore. A second component is located into engagement with the first component, the second component defining a passage therethrough. A rod is inserted through the passage defined on the second component and into the locating bore of the first component. A handle associated with the rod is slidably actuated into contact with the second component to matingly lock the first component to the second component.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A device for implanting a prosthesis comprising:
 a first component adapted to be received into a recess in a bone, said first component having a main body portion defining a receiving portion and a locating bore; 
 a second component that extends between a first end and a second end, said second end having an insertion portion and wherein said second component defines a passage that extends entirely through said second component from said first end to said second end; 
 a rod adapted to pass through said passage on said second component, said rod having a threaded distal end that threadably mates with said locating bore of said first component; and 
 a handle communicating with said rod and operable for slidable actuation along said rod and into contact with said second component, whereby actuation of said handle matingly engages said insertion portion of said second component to said receiving portion of said first component. 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1  wherein said receiving portion of said first component defines tapered sidewalls. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 2  wherein said insertion portion defines tapered sidewalls for mating with said tapered sidewalls of said receiving portion. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1  wherein said locating bore of said first component is centrally positioned on said main body portion and substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bone. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 1  wherein said locating bore is threaded. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 1  wherein said handle is journalled around said rod. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 1  wherein said rod includes a stopping member arranged on a proximal end, wherein said handle is bound between said stopping member and said second component during slidable actuation. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 7  wherein said handle is bound for uninhibited movement between and in contact with said stopping member and said second component. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 1  wherein said first component is a stem and said second component is selected from a tibial implant, a femoral implant, acetabular implant and a glenoid implant. 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 9  wherein said first component is a tibial stem and said second component is a tibial tray. 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 1  wherein said rod has a cylindrical outer profile with a substantially constant radius. 
     
     
       12. The device of  claims 11  wherein said passage comprises a bore having a substantially constant outer radius. 
     
     
       13. A system for implanting a tibial tray comprising:
 a stem adapted to be received into a recess on a proximal end of a tibia, said stem having a main body portion defining a first attachment area and a second attachment area; 
 a tibial tray that extends between a first end and a second end, said tibial tray having a third attachment area and wherein said tibial tray defines a passage that extends entirely through said tibial tray from said first end to said second end; 
 a rod adapted to pass through said passage on said tibial tray and locate into engagement with said first attachment area of said stem, said rod including a stopping member arranged on a proximal end; and 
 a handle communicating with said rod and bound for uninhibited slidable actuation along said rod and into contact with said stopping member and said tibial tray, whereby actuation of said handle encourages said third attachment area of said tibial tray to be matingly received by said second attachment area of said stem. 
 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 13  wherein one of said second and third attachment areas defines a male extension portion and the other of said second and third attachment areas defines a female receiving portion. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 14  wherein said male extension portion and said female receiving portion define complementary tapered engagement walls for providing a Morse taper fit. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 13  wherein said first attachment area defines a blind bore for securably receiving said rod. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 13  wherein said rod has a cylindrical outer profile with a substantially constant radius. 
     
     
       18. A device for implanting a prosthesis comprising:
 a first component comprising a tibial stem that is adapted to be received into a recess in a bone, said first component having a main body portion defining a receiving portion and a locating bore; 
 a second component comprising a tibial tray that extends between a first end and a second end, said second end having an insertion portion and wherein said second component defines a passage that extends entirely through said second component from said first end to said second end; 
 a rod adapted to pass through said passage on said second component and locate into said locating bore of said first component; and 
 a handle communicating with said rod and operable for slidable actuation along said rod and into contact with said second component, whereby actuation of said handle matingly engages said insertion portion of said second component to said receiving portion of said first component. 
 
     
     
       19. The device of  claim 18  wherein said receiving portion of said first component defines tapered sidewalls. 
     
     
       20. The device of  claim 19  wherein said insertion portion defines tapered sidewalls for mating with said tapered sidewalls of said receiving portion.